If you're serious about your garden storage and security, finding the best metal garden shed is a must. The idea of a metal garden shed might sound a bit utilitarian or industrial, but they are available in some pretty contemporary-looking styles which will last for years without having to be continually re-painted to keep them looking good, plus, you can keep your garden equipment well organised and secure.
Garden storage is always something that's worth a bit of consideration before you decide which solution is best for you. If you only have a couple of trowels and a dibber, then you won't need much more than a box or a storage bench, but if you have a selection of tools, a lawn mower, hedge trimmer, garden chairs, parasol, barbecue, and all the other accoutrements that go to make up a modern garden, a shed is probably a more realistic proposition.
Best metal garden shed at a glance:
Editor's choice: Duramax ECO 6 x 6 Metal Garden Shed - View now on Amazon UK
Best small metal garden shed: UDPATIO Metal Outdoor Storage Shed - View now on Amazon UK
Best large metal garden shed: Outsunny 13 x 11ft Garden Metal Storage - View now on Amazon UK
All of the metal garden sheds we feature are self-assembly, so be prepared to put a bit of time aside for the construction process or add in the cost of a professional to do it for you. Once constructed, these sheds should provide years of maintenance-free service. So, let's take a look at what's available.
Best metal garden shed
Editor's choice
The Duramax ECO is made from long-lasting galvanized steel with reinforced groove walls to provide increased strength. The frame comes pre-painted and includes wall covering and ceiling panels, and once it's all put together, it is pretty sturdy and should be fairly weatherproof, although it will do no harm to fill any joints with a silicone sealant. The sliding door is pretty wide, which makes it easy to get stuff in and out, but the plastic handles and locks aren't the most secure.
Customer review: "Excellent product, quite a remarkable piece of design work. Ours was the 6ft x 4ft shed. The individual panels seem flimsy, but as it is put together, it gets stronger and stronger. Arrived in a single (quite heavy) flat pack box. 2 quite strong people are needed to carry it. It does take a long time to assemble."
Pros
- Wall covering and ceiling panels included
- Reinforced groove walls
Cons
- Assembly can take some time
Best small metal garden shed
This storage shed comes in a choice of colours and is ideal for storing those garden essentials such as lawnmowers and garden chairs, or it can be used for storing cycles or even as a hide for your wheely bins. It's constructed with thick galvanized steel with overlapped panels for improved waterproofing and moisture resistance, with a groove and sloped design on the roof to drain rainwater. It is also rustproof and UV-resistant.
Customer review: I bought this shed as it said waterproof and was a decent size. Both boxes definitively ticked and very happy as my camping gear is safe and dry. I sealed and screeded the inside + siliconed the edges to ensure it was watertight at the bottom.
Pros
- Door locks included
- Good value
Cons
- No floor base
Best metal garden shed for weather protection
www.wayfair.co.uk
This shed from Dakota Fields is made from galvanized sheet steel. The strong construction method with a base rim ensures extreme stability and easy mounting of base plates. The sheet steel roof is covered with PP film for improved weather-proofing, and the sloping roof prevents water from collecting. The two ventilation grids ensure good air circulation. The sliding doors and central entrance make access easy.
Customer review: "A little on the low height size but excellent value for such a large floor size. Once I had sorted my base only took 2 of us 3 hours to assemble."
Pros
- Good storage space
- Roof has added weather protection
Cons
- Low height
Best wood-effect metal garden shed
www.screwfix.com
This hot-dipped galvanised steel structure from Yardmaster features high gables and ventilation along wall eaves and an apex roof. This is a great choice if you still want the convenience and longevity of metal but would prefer the aesthetic appearance of wood as it features wood effect cladding. The ventilation means there should be no problems with condensation, and the double sliding door opening is more than 100cm wide, so provides easy access, although some have said it is a bit flimsy.
Customer review: " It looks good, but like others have said, the door slide mechanism is a little disappointing. Solid when finished - but take care not to overtighten the screws."
Pros
- Wood cladding improves the appearance
- Corrosion resistant
Cons
- Base not included
Best no-frills metal garden shed
www.argos.co.uk
If you are looking for a slightly smaller, perhaps more utilitarian storage space, then here's another one from the Yardmaster stable. There are very few frills about this one, but it does provide sturdy, safe and secure storage for your garden equipment. Once built, this YardMaster shed requires zero maintenance or further treatments.
Customer review: "I have been very satisfied with the garden shed. The process of building it was straightforward when you followed the instructions page by page. We found that many hands make light work, so don't attempt to build this shed with less than 3 people."
Pros
- Low maintenance
- Fire and waterproof
Cons
- Assembly can be difficult
Best for contemporary finish
The Duramax Top Shed 8 x 6 Metal Outdoor Garden Storage Shed comes in a choice of finishes - anthracite for that metal contemporary look or the more traditional look of a wood grain finish. It's a good size and benefits from not requiring any maintenance. As with most metal sheds, you might encounter some sharp edges during assembly, and you might need to add some sealant to the roof apex.
Customer review: "This shed is spacious and sturdy. I think it offers good value vs a wooden shed (no maintenance, reroofing, painting, etc). Installation is fiddly and took 2 people 8 hours to complete."
Pros
- Choice of attractive finishes
- Good ventilation
Cons
- No lock included
Best large metal garden shed
This is one of the bigger metal sheds available, offering more than 12m² of internal storage space, although the roof isn't all that high - 2m (6.5ft) at the centre going down to 1.55m (5ft) at the edge. Once again, there is a choice of external finishes, and the wide sliding doors provide easy access. The sloping roof prevents standing water, there's plenty of ventilation, and the inclusion of the floor foundation helps to make the assembly process a bit easier.
Customer review: "Great shed. Hard and time consuming to erect but very well marked individual pieces.
A little low to stand up in but it does have a floor frame to put plywood down."
Pros
- Large storage area
- Floor included
Cons
- Not as high as expected
Some more things to think about before buying a metal shed
When considering buying a metal garden shed, there are several factors you should take into account to ensure you make the right choice for your needs. Here are some things to consider:
Size: Consider the items you plan to store in your shed, such as gardening tools, equipment, and other items. Make sure it has enough space to accommodate your needs both now and in the future.
Location: Choose the best location for the shed in your garden. Accessibility is important, and make sure it's on a level surface.
Material: Metal sheds are typically made from steel or aluminium. Steel is stronger and more durable, but it may be more expensive. Aluminium is lightweight and resistant to rust.
Durability: Look for a metal shed with rust-resistant coatings and materials that can withstand poor weather conditions.
Assembly: Consider your DIY skills and the time you're willing to invest in assembly. Some metal sheds come as DIY kits, while others require professional installation.
Ventilation: Adequate ventilation is important to prevent moisture buildup and maintain the quality of items stored inside.
Maintenance: Metal sheds typically require less maintenance than wooden ones, but you should still consider how easy it is to keep clean and whether it may require occasional repainting or rust prevention measures.
Thinking about these factors can help you to choose the right metal shed for your needs.
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Alex Boyd is a Commercial Content Writer for Modern Gardens, specialising in Power tools and pressure washers. In his spare time, he enjoys DIY, Travel, Gardening, and music.